Tipping Etiquette by Country: The Complete International Guide
Do you tip in Japan? Is it rude to tip in China? How much do you tip in Europe? Compare tipping customs across 40+ countries so you always know what to do — and what to avoid — wherever you travel.
Tipping norms vary dramatically by country. In the United States, 18–20% is standard. In Japan and South Korea, tipping is considered rude. In much of Europe, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but a 20% tip would seem excessive. Always research local customs before you travel.
| Country | Restaurant | Taxi | Hotel | Culture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina Latin America | 10% | Round up | $1–2 USD/bag | Appreciated |
| Australia Oceania | Not expected | Not expected | Not expected | Not Expected |
| Austria Europe | 5–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| Belgium Europe | Round up / 5% | Round up | €1/bag | Appreciated |
| Brazil Latin America | 10% (often included) | Round up | R$2–5/bag | Expected |
| Canada North America | 15–20% | 10–15% | $2–5/night | Expected |
| Chile Latin America | 10% | Round up | $1–2 USD/bag | Appreciated |
| China Asia | Not expected | Not expected | Not expected | Not Expected |
| Colombia Latin America | 10% (often included) | Round up | 2,000–5,000 COP/bag | Appreciated |
| Costa Rica Latin America | 10% (included) | Round up | $1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| Croatia Europe | 10% | Round up | 10–20 HRK equivalent | Appreciated |
| Czech Republic Europe | 10% | 10% | 50–100 CZK/bag | Appreciated |
| Denmark Europe | Round up / 10% | Round up | Not typical | Appreciated |
| Egypt Middle East & Africa | 10–15% | Round up | EGP 10–20/bag | Expected |
| Finland Europe | Round up | Not expected | Not typical | Not Expected |
| France Europe | Round up / 5% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| Germany Europe | 5–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| Greece Europe | 5–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| Hong Kong Asia | 5–10% | Round up | HKD 5–10/bag | Appreciated |
| Hungary Europe | 10–15% | 10% | 200–500 HUF/bag | Appreciated |
| Iceland Europe | Not expected | Not expected | Not expected | Not Expected |
| India Asia | 10% | Round up | ₹50–100/bag | Appreciated |
| Indonesia Asia | 5–10% | Round up | Rp 10,000–20,000/bag | Appreciated |
| Ireland Europe | 10–15% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| Israel Middle East & Africa | 10–15% | Round up | ₪5–10/bag | Appreciated |
| Italy Europe | 5–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| Japan Asia | Never | Never | Never | Offensive |
| Malaysia Asia | 5–10% | Round up | RM 2–5/bag | Appreciated |
| Mexico North America | 10–15% | Round up | $1–2/bag | Expected |
| Morocco Middle East & Africa | 10–15% | Round up | 10–20 MAD/bag | Expected |
| Netherlands Europe | 5–10% | Round up | €1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| New Zealand Oceania | Not expected | Not expected | Not expected | Not Expected |
| Norway Europe | Round up / 10% | Round up | Not typical | Appreciated |
| Peru Latin America | 10% | Not expected | S/2–5/bag | Appreciated |
| Philippines Asia | 10% | Round up | ₱20–50/bag | Appreciated |
| Poland Europe | 10% | Round up | 5–10 PLN/bag | Appreciated |
| Portugal Europe | 5–10% | Round up | €1/bag | Appreciated |
| Singapore Asia | Not needed | Not expected | Not expected | Not Expected |
| South Africa Middle East & Africa | 10–15% | 10% | R5–10/bag | Expected |
| South Korea Asia | Never | Never | Not expected | Offensive |
| Spain Europe | Round up / 5% | Round up | €1/bag | Appreciated |
| Sweden Europe | Round up / 5–10% | Round up | Not typical | Appreciated |
| Switzerland Europe | 5–10% | Round up | CHF 1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| Taiwan Asia | Not expected | Not expected | Not expected | Not Expected |
| Thailand Asia | 10–15% | Round up | 20–50 THB/bag | Appreciated |
| Turkey Europe | 10–15% | Round up | 20–50 TRY/bag | Appreciated |
| UAE Middle East & Africa | 10–15% | Round up | AED 5–10/bag | Appreciated |
| United Kingdom Europe | 10–15% | Round up | £1–2/bag | Appreciated |
| United States North America | 18–20% | 15–20% | $2–5/night | Expected |
| Vietnam Asia | 5–10% | Round up | 20,000–50,000 VND/bag | Appreciated |
Click any row to expand local tipping details. Data reflects general customs as of 2026 — local norms may vary by city and establishment.
Understanding Global Tipping Culture
Tipping customs are shaped by local labor laws, cultural values, and historical convention. In the United States, tipped workers often rely on gratuities to reach a living wage because federal law allows employers to pay as little as $2.13/hour to tipped employees. In most of Europe and Asia, service staff earn a fair base wage, so tips are genuinely optional appreciation rather than a financial necessity.
Understanding why norms differ helps travelers tip appropriately — neither under-tipping where it is expected, nor offending locals in countries where tipping is culturally inappropriate.
Countries Where You Should Never Tip
In Japan, South Korea, and parts of China, leaving a tip can be considered disrespectful or even insulting. The reasoning differs by culture, but the message is the same: do not tip.
Japan
Tipping is considered offensive in Japan. The cultural philosophy of omotenashi (wholehearted hospitality) means service is given as a matter of pride, not for extra pay. Leaving money on the table may cause a server to chase you down to return it. At high-end ryokan (traditional inns), a noshi envelope presented upon arrival to the proprietress is sometimes appropriate, but even this is declining.
South Korea
Tipping is not practiced in South Korea and can cause awkwardness. Service charges are often included in upscale hotel and restaurant bills. Attempting to leave an additional tip may confuse or embarrass staff. The focus is on the quality of service rendered, not monetary reward afterward.
China
Tipping is generally not expected in mainland China. In international hotels and restaurants catering to tourists, a tip may be quietly accepted, but locals do not tip and staff are not expected to receive gratuities. In Hong Kong and Taiwan, norms are slightly more relaxed due to Western influence.
Tipping in the United States vs the World
The United States has the most tip-dependent service culture in the world. American tipping expectations — 18–20% at restaurants, $2–5 per bag at hotels, $1–2 per drink at bars — are significantly higher than virtually every other country. This is directly tied to U.S. law: the federal tipped minimum wage is just $2.13/hour, unchanged since 1991.
By contrast, servers in Australia earn $24+/hour, French waitstaff receive mandatory service charges, and Japanese hospitality workers earn a full living wage from their employer. In those countries, a 20% tip would be baffling.
When Americans travel abroad, the instinct to tip generously is understandable — but it can distort local labor markets, create inequality between tipped and non-tipped staff, and cause discomfort. Use this guide to tip appropriately everywhere you go.
Back in the US? Use our Tip and Tax Calculator to calculate the right tip amount and see how the 2026 OBBBA tip tax exemption affects your take-home pay.
Calculate Tip & TaxFrequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to tip in Japan?
Yes, tipping in Japan is generally considered rude or at minimum confusing. Japanese service culture is built on the concept of omotenashi — providing perfect hospitality as a matter of professional pride, with no expectation of extra monetary reward. If you leave money on the table, staff will often run after you thinking you forgot it. Do not tip at restaurants, taxis, hotels, or spas in Japan.
How much do you tip in Europe?
It varies by country, but generally much less than in the US. In most of Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% at sit-down restaurants is the norm. Tipping is appreciated but never obligatory. In Scandinavia, tipping has become more common with card payment prompts, but 10% is considered generous. In Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary), 10% is typical at tourist-facing restaurants.
Do you tip in Mexico?
Yes. Mexico has a strong tipping culture, especially in restaurants and hotels. The standard tip at restaurants is 10–15%, though upscale venues in tourist areas (Cancun, Los Cabos, Mexico City) often see 15–20%. Hotel bellhops, housekeeping, and taxi drivers also expect tips. Unlike the US, there is no sub-minimum tipped wage in Mexico, but service workers rely on tips to supplement modest base pay.
Do you tip in Australia?
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Australian minimum wage laws ensure hospitality workers earn a living wage ($24+/hour in 2026), so tipping is genuinely optional. Rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated, and at upscale restaurants leaving 10% for exceptional service is becoming more common — but do not feel obligated. You will never cause offense by not tipping in Australia.
Related Tools & Resources
Planning to dine out in the US? Use our tipping guide to understand American tipping norms and standard rates by service type.
Want to calculate the exact tip and tax on your US restaurant bill? Try the Tip and Tax Calculator for a quick breakdown.
Curious how much you'd tip at a specific restaurant? Read our guide on how much to tip at a restaurant for a full breakdown by bill size and service quality.